Saturday, March 22, 2014

My publisher/editor Helen Chamberlin is an Australia legend who has revolutionised Australian publishing industry.This shy lady has created so many awarded Australian picture books that have become classic. Helen was awarded 2001, Pheme Tanner Awardfor her outstanding personal contribution to children's literature. This depiction of Helen is really spot on.

"Helen epitomises the best of editorship, a quiet voice standing in the shadows behind the public faces, shaping and guiding, challenging and demanding."

Study of a central character for "Moon," my first trade picture book to be published by Windy Hollow in Augst 2015

Yes, publisher/editor Helen is one of the most highly respected persons in Australian publishing industry. She entered the publishing industry in 1971 as a trainee editor at Heinemann Educational Australia (= Pearson). She has worked in both education and trade picture book publishing. Originally, Helen was a secondary teacher of English and languages : German and French. Helen's language assets is astonishing. She also employs Italian. Helen and I have the same interest, "linguistics"! Also, I've started my illustrator career from education picture books. Coincidence. I did my first illustrated work "Stuck!" with Rigby divided from Pearson/Harcort. Last year, I finished up an ACER's commissioned work (*ACER=Australian Council Research Project), whilst working on a trade picture book "Moon" under Helen's supervision. She very well understood my situations and kindly supported busy me. So sweet! Helen always inspires and supports me.

Helen's working history is full of prize-winning picture books and significantly glorious. Today, any big names in our industry celebrate me, "You're lucky. Helen is your editor! She's great. I look forward to your picture book." Helen has assisted many of those Australian "star" illustrators and authors. I'm certain illustrators and writers are dreaming to work with Helen. So, I've been extremely happy and very blessed that I have had the superb Editor and the wonderful Mentor Ann.

My picture book illustration is at the final stage. In my ongoing colour for "Moon," a double spread rough (A2) is done = a half way through. WOW... amazing... from these (see below) tiny dummies to this final stage, we've climbed up to. How many story boards did I ever try? Plus so many roughs for each dummy. Quite demanding work. Always Helen has encouraged me to HAVE FUN in work at the tough time. She has tried to maximise my strengths!

Ann James/Book Illustrated is updating LIVE news by face book! Exciting!If you are near to Bologna, say hello to our Australia team!!

Another study of the central character for "Moon"

With my good news, I've popped up at local libraries. Librarians celebrate the ongoing illustration and other publications. So nice to share my joy with others, especially, who have encouraged me at a tough time. Librarians will HAPPILY give a further support, when I do book launch = Libraries and I will enjoy "author talks" and "exhibitions" in 2015! Wow! Exciting!I'll take a break for blogging and concentrate on the projects, taking care of the hands. I really appreciate your warm cheers.

I'll post on the personality of editor/publisher Helen Chamberlin later and how she helps me, an illustrator. Look forward to a post!Friends, you, too, make your dreams come true. Thank you for a great support and patience. Good news, my hands are improving. Happy Painting!!

40 comments:

Good day Sadami, my it sounds like you are extremely busy and that is good. Hope you take time to rest while your hands are healing. Good thoughts and prayers for you. I am always blessed when I visit your blog.

I'm very glad to read that your hands are improving and about all the exciting events in your professional life. There's nothing better than working with people who share your enthusiasm and appreciate each-other's work. Have a very successful blog holiday, Sadami!

Saw your latest character on Rita's side bar and had To stop by to see how you're doing. AND YOU ARE DOING GREAT. Your drawings are as lively as you are and drawing well deserved attention. Congratulations Sadami's on your success. Also good to read your hand is improving. Happy drawing. It sounds so good to say, "my publisher." You must be thrilled.

Congratulations!!! It will be fun to see the final product! You have worked so hard on this, so happily, and it has been fun to follow you and your enthusiasm!

Wonderful to have a mentor. Just the other day a colleague of mine and I were talking about how mentors are so hard to find. Many will give orders, but very few are willing to take the time to guide and teach. You are lucky to have Helen, but I am so very confident that she feels that she is lucky to have you. And I am sure it's true!

hi, Dan, thank u!!! really i'm enjoying illustration. I know Dan, u'r dreaming of picture buk illustration. In Australia, there r famous mentoship programs. I wrote about my own case. if u like, click the label, 'mentoship' @ the right side of my blog. Mentor Ann has never given me any order. Neither, Helen. They really want me to demonstrate 'my view.' (*I feel as if I were a fledging bird.) In response to their luv & support, I want to do my best for the work. u, 2, find a qualified mentor & crack into illustration industry. It always search for new talents. Go, DAN! I know, u hav wonderful talents!!!! best wishes, Sadami

Hello Sadami, How wonderful you have become so successful. It was lovely to hear from you. Pig's Wings Bookshop has now closed its' doors after 35 years but if you need any books do let me know and I will try and source them for you. Your illustrations are a delight and I really am thrilled for you. Good luck with future ventures and I do hope your health improves. Regards, Jean Stewart Heath.

Oh, sweet Jean, thank u so much!!! Your shop and you have helped me so much. Indeed, it's beyond language. I always thought one day, I'd inform you my good news. Now, time has come & finally, I did it!! I never forget a person like you who helped me at a tough time. Thank you for your warm cheers and so nice backups even after the closing. You, too, please take care and keep in touch with me. Best wishes and special thanks, Sadami

My goodness, Sadami, you amaze me with all the things you've accomplished in the past few weeks! I really like the drawing of the desk top with all the supplies. And what a lovely tribute to your editor!

Thank you, sweet Joshemari!! You always encourage me and cheer me up.Yes, I've just finished the picture book project. Soon, Publisher will pick up my work and a book designer will organise my illustrations into a book and printing. It has taken a lots of time to come to this level. Many people have helped me. Of course, you are one of them! Also, soon, I'll see the hand specialist. Your sketches always get better and better. Keep it up and enjoy drawing more and more. When my hands get well, I'd visit your blog more often like before!Special thanks, a kiss, Sadami

>>>>>Joshemari said...Hello Sadami, long time not receiving hearing and I was worried, but according to what I have found understanding in this post, you leave the blog for a while to devote yourself to your illustration work. This, if I have understood correctly, gives me great joy. It is always beautiful, let a hobby (a blog) for business reasons and not as a matter of health. I also understand that your health is good. It is impossible to do lot of work if you're not well.Sadami, I am delighted and I wish you all the luck in the world in this profession that you both like and love.Already you will return when you have a little rest. You hope. A kiss.

A few years ago when I saw your your talent here, I KNEW you would be successful. I haven't visited for so long and am thrilled to see that you are doing so well! I'm off to look at more posts but wanted to let you know your characters leap off the page! Fantastic work.

About Me

Award winning fine artist, enthusiastic children's picture book illustrator, portraitist and event/conference sketcher, Sydney based. Greatest strength: "Empathic portraits". Spontaneous and beautiful. Outstanding speed and accuracy. In only a few minutes, my quick portraits capture models in any posture with any facial expression on spot. Figures appear lively and emotionally. My linguistic training enables me to analyse the text in detail and organise appropriate story boards for the target audience. Sociological methods and research skills are used to capture insights from a text. The work bridges between a text, reality and imagination. Style is broad from whimsical cartoons to fine art for multifarious subjects. Japanese naitve speaker. Enjoy my works in StyleFile